The Harvard School of Public Health is reporting that it takes between $67,000 and $72,000 annually in medical and nonmedical costs to care for a child diagnosed with autism. That can be a significant burden on any family. Doctor visits, medicines, therapy, education, and child care expenses all have to be considered. Low income families with an autistic child are at a particular disadvantage. If you have a child who’s been diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorder, your child may be eligible to receive Social Security Disability benefits. SSD benefits were created to ease these kinds of burdens and to assure that disabled children receive the treatment and support they need.
A child is disabled and eligible for SSD benefits if he or she:
- is under age 18
- isn’t working at a job classified by Social Security as “substantial” work
- has a mental or physical condition (or both) causing severe functional limitations, and
- this condition has persisted (or is expected to) for one year (or end in death)
What the SSA Looks For and How to Strengthen Your Child’s Claim
Children diagnosed with autism may qualify for disability benefits if their condition significantly limits their ability to function at an age-appropriate level. For most children, this falls under Supplemental Security Income (SSI), which is based on financial need and disability criteria.
When evaluating a claim, the Social Security Administration compares your child’s condition to its official disability listings, often called the “Blue Book.” To qualify, you must show that autism causes serious limitations in areas such as social interaction, communication (verbal and nonverbal), and behavior. Evidence may also need to show restricted interests or difficulty completing everyday activities expected for the child’s age.
Strong documentation is key. Medical records, developmental evaluations, school reports, and specialist opinions all play an important role in supporting your claim.
An experienced Social Security disability attorney can help gather the right evidence, ensure forms are completed correctly, and guide you through the application or appeals process. If your child has been diagnosed with autism, consider speaking with a qualified attorney as soon as possible to better understand your options and improve your chances of approval.